Science & Tech · Space · 2 days ago
SpaceX to retry launch of 21 military data satellites
The satellites are part of a U.S. military network designed to support missile tracking and secure communications.
They would join a growing group of spacecraft in orbit.
The network is expected to begin providing operational capabilities in 2027.
The first launch attempt was stopped by an automatic abort, and SpaceX did not say what caused it.
SpaceX plans to retry the launch of 21 military data satellites for the U.S. Space Development Agency early Saturday.
The Falcon 9 is scheduled to lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 12:39 a.m. PDT.
The first launch attempt was halted by an automatic abort with 58 seconds remaining in the countdown.
The satellites, made by Northrop Grumman, are part of a U.S. military constellation intended to support missile tracking and secure communications.
The mission is the fourth to send production satellites into orbit for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer.
- Who
- SpaceX is launching 21 satellites for the U.S. Space Development Agency.
- What
- A Falcon 9 will carry the satellites into orbit on the Tranche 1 Transport Layer A mission.
- When
- The retry is scheduled for early Saturday at 12:39 a.m. PDT.
- Where
- Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
- Why
- The satellites are part of a constellation intended to provide space-based military capabilities, including missile tracking and secure communications.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Vehicle and payload are in good health, and teams are resetting for a launch attempt no earlier than tomorrow, October 6.
The 21 Northrop Grumman satellites were delivered to Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The first launch attempt was halted by an automatic abort with 58 seconds left in the countdown.
SpaceX is scheduled to make another launch attempt at 12:39 a.m. PDT.
- Payload
- 21 satellites
- Rocket
- Falcon 9
- Launch site
- Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
- Mission
- Tranche 1 Transport Layer A (T1TL-A)
- Manufacturer
- Northrop Grumman
Sources
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